Studying the BSc (Hons) Computing online from South Africa — what Durban applicants need to know

In Durban, hiring for information technology mixes local credibility with global fluency. A UK diploma will not replace every SAQA pathway, but it can strengthen applications to multinationals, regional roles and remote teams that already recognise UK awarding bodies.

• Johannesburg and Cape Town multinationals are accustomed to UK qualification titles on CVs.
• Online study helps when load-shedding and commuting make campus evenings unreliable.
• International framing supports regional African and remote opportunities.
• For information technology, project-based evidence from modules often travels better than attendance certificates.

Core themes and modules on the BSc (Hons) Computing:

• Information Technology and IT Ethics — This unit aims to develop learners’ knowledge and use of information technology including the use of standard office applications to prepare documents and presentations. This includes computer software and hardware, basic computer operations, application software, operating systems, information systems and IT-related issues in computing. The unit also seeks to provide learners with an awareness of ethical issues essential to an IT professional. This includes ethics in the cyberspace, intellectual property, privacy, the issue of security and reliability, how computing affects our health, professional code of ethics and how IT changes our daily lives.
• Mathematics and Statistics for IT — This unit aims to provide an opportunity to learn mathematics and statistics and equip learners with the mathematical skills to analyse and solve problems that will enable them to work within the field of IT. The unit covers number systems, logic, relations, functions, quadratic equations, quadratic functions, simultaneous equations, polynomial equations, exponential functions, logarithmic functions, coordinate geometry and matrices. The unit provides an opportunity to learn statistics and equip learners with the descriptive and analytical methods for dealing with variability in observed data. It covers graphical presentation of data, descriptive statistics, index numbers, correlation and regression, time series, probability and statistical inference.
• PC Maintenance and Operating Systems — This unit aims to provide knowledge of personal computer hardware. Successful completion of this unit will enable learners to install a computer system unit and operating system and conduct troubleshooting. The unit provides the essential knowledge of computer hardware, the software needed to make a hardware work, the components of the hardware and the technologies and principles that support the components. In addition to this knowledge, learners will be able to assemble computer hardware to build a full set PC, understand how to install the operation system and how to conduct troubleshooting in faulty hardware. This unit also aims to provide the basic concepts about operating systems and to be able to install, configure and operate two commonly used operating systems. It includes an overview of Windows and Linux operating systems, the installation and configuration of these systems; the use of proper file systems; managing groups and users; installing and uninstalling applications on these two operating systems; operating basic command-line environment; manipulating simple files and printer-sharing.
• Computer Graphics Editing and Database Concepts — This unit aims to explain the concepts of photo editing. This will enable learners to insert photos into documents such as user manuals and the IT structure of an organization. The photos may need to be touched up before they are ready for use. This mainly involves using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator for photo/image editing and designing. The unit delivers skills in photo retouching and digital drawing to address the issues of digital image design. It emphasizes exploration, techniques, media, ideas development and production techniques. This unit also provides the fundamental concepts of a database system through Database Management System (DBMS), relational databases, entity relationship modelling and normalization. Learners are also required to create database systems using the database language of Structured Query Language (SQL).
• System Administration — This unit aims to provide the knowledge needed to administer a system in Linux and Windows. Topics covered include user and group management; file system management; task automation; shell scripting; Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) servers; mail servers; domain name servers; files and printers sharing; basic utilities and tools; application management; registry; local and group policies; backup policies; restore policies and performance tuning.
• C#.NET Programming — This unit aims to provide learners with the basic concepts and principles of ASP.NET programming using C#. This will enable learners to understand how to create dynamic web pages using server side programming techniques. The unit covers component-based programming and how to access records in relational databases. Successful achievement of this unit will enable learners to create their own web applications and make them available on the internet.
• Network Security — This unit aims to provide learners with knowledge of network security issues in a networked environment and the process of preventing and detection common security incidents. The unit covers authentication; attacks and malicious codes; the security of remote access; email and web security; the security of directory and file transfer services; storage media; network security; intrusion detection; physical and security and disaster recovery.
• Technopreneurship — This unit aims to provide learners with the knowledge and skills needed to establish a new techno business. It includes understanding the characteristics of entrepreneurs, planning, marketing and finance.

A good fit for Durban professionals who want international recognition while staying employed locally.

• You are targeting multinational, regional or remote roles in {sector}.
• Campus schedules are impractical given work or power constraints.
• You want assessed learning with a named UK awarding body.
• You can study in English and manage GBP payments from South Africa.

Full programme fee: £6,999. Begin with an application fee of £25. Fees are in GBP; South African learners usually pay by international card. Plan FX timing around application.

• Flexible payment plans may be available after acceptance.
• 100% online — no relocation or campus commuting costs from Durban.
• UK-recognised award pathway through University + Qualifi.